Salary : $80,000 — $125,000
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Autoclave Operator to lead the implementation and operation of a new autoclave system within our growing defense-focused manufacturing environment. This is a hands-on, high-impact role supporting laminated composite fabrication and a wide range of R&D programs that vary in scope, complexity, and technical requirements.
As this is a new capability within the company, the selected candidate will play a foundational role in establishing autoclave operations, developing processes, setting up clean room standards, and defining best practices. The ideal candidate is technically strong, self-directed, process-driven, and comfortable building systems from the ground up.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Autoclave Operations & Process Development
- Lead commissioning, qualification, and day-to-day operation of a new autoclave system
- Develop and optimize cure cycles for laminated composite structures
- Establish operating procedures, work instructions, and safety protocols
- Monitor and document temperature, pressure, and vacuum profiles to ensure process control and repeatability
- Troubleshoot cure anomalies and implement corrective actions
- Composite Manufacturing Support
- Support layup, bagging, and preparation of composite assemblies for cure
- Collaborate with engineering on material selection, tooling concepts, and process parameters
- Interpret technical drawings, specifications, and material data sheets
- Ensure compliance with defense and customer quality requirements
- Clean Room & Facility Setup
- Assist in design and setup of clean room environment
- Develop contamination control procedures and material handling standards
- Define storage, freezer management, and material traceability systems
- R&D Program Support
- Work closely with engineering teams on prototype and low-volume development programs
- Adapt processes to meet evolving technical and performance requirements
- Collect and analyze process data to support qualification and validation efforts
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Maintenance and Safety
- Perform routine cleaning, calibration, and troubleshooting of autoclave equipment
- Documentation & Compliance
- Create and maintain process documentation, travelers, and quality records
- Support audits and internal quality reviews
- Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on autoclave operation experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced composites manufacturing
- Strong understanding of composite materials (prepregs, core materials, adhesives)
- Experience developing or modifying cure cycles
- Familiarity with vacuum bagging techniques and composite layup practices
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications
- Experience working in controlled or clean-room environments
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable working in a dynamic R&D environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience commissioning new autoclave equipment
- Background in aerospace or defense manufacturing
- Familiarity with NADCAP, AS9100, or similar quality systems
- Experience writing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Technical certification in composites manufacturing
Additional Requirements
- Must be a US Citizen
- May be required to work weekends to meet project deadlines
- Must be able to lift 50+ pounds, and stand for long periods
- Work onsite in Oxnard, CA full-time.
